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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Mental health

Nov 13, 2024 - Highlights the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address healthcare access issues for rural veterans in Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Discusses initiatives to improve mental and physical healthcare access, care coordination, and telehealth.
Source: VA Tennessee Valley Health Care Stories
Nov 12, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcing the adoption of a Third Report and Order that requires wireless providers to implement a georouting solution for calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to facilitate access to critical local intervention services. The Third Report and Order also revises the Commission's existing 988 voice and texting rules to permit routing to the 988 Lifeline without translation to a toll-free access number, giving wireless providers flexibility in implementing georouting solutions. This rule is effective December 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 7, 2024 - Discusses a new training program to address mental health workforce shortages in Vermont. The program will place mental health workers in rural schools and offer incentives for students that continue working at their placement beyond graduation.
Source: Vermont Public
Nov 5, 2024 - Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announcing the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until a second notice is published in the Federal Register. Lists are available on the Health Workforce Shortage Areas website and are current as of October 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 4, 2024 - Discusses disparities in access to mental healthcare in rural California. Discusses workforce shortages, technology facilitators and barriers to access, and affordability.
Source: California Health Report
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) making corrections to the August 21, 2024, final rule. These corrections are effective October 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 30, 2024 - Arizona's Medicaid agency is funding new on-call OB-GYN providers for rural communities. The initiative is meant to increase access to care for people in maternity care deserts. Discusses challenges with recruiting healthcare providers to rural areas and the role of mental health in mortality for pregnant and postpartum women.
Source: Cronkite News
Oct 23, 2024 - Discusses a telepsychology program at the University of Iowa that aims to work with rural Iowans and train psychologists. Discusses the benefits of telehealth in increasing access to care in workforce shortage areas, the culture of rural, and overcoming stigma.
Source: The Daily Iowan
Oct 17, 2024 - Highlights drivers of stress for farmers in Ohio and the associated high suicide rate when compared to the general population. Discusses barriers to accessing mental healthcare and local initiatives to connect the agriculture community with resources.
Source: The Ohio Newsroom
Oct 9, 2024 - Highlights a new program offering mental health services to rural residents and farmers in Louisiana through teletherapy. The program addresses broadband issues by offering a mobile unit with internet access and devices.
Source: BRProud